The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is currently adding aesthetic value to India's financial capital by initiating a beautification drive for 220 bus shelters. These bus shelters have been given on a Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis for 10 years to JCDecaux India and Rajdeep Publicity, who will construct 120 and 100 shelters, respectively. Till date, 70 bus shelters have already been completed and the remaining shall be completed by December 12, 2008.

Sources close to the development said that the Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport undertaking (BEST) officials had recently held talks with the officials of MMRDA for AC bus shelters across prime locations in Mumbai city. The proposal comes in the light of BEST's announcement introducing a fleet of AC Volvo buses for daily commuters across the city.

Shankar Deshpande, Joint Project Director, Town Planning, while disclosing the beautification plan, said, "With a view to making the bus stops look more attractive and to match international standards, we have taken the decision and have leased out the space required for the bus stops. The work of building and maintenance of the Phase I, which includes Western Express Highway, has been given to Rajdeep Publicity, and for Phase II, which includes Eastern Express Highway, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Jogeshwari Vikroli Link Road (JVLR), it has been given to JCDecaux India. These bus shelters shall soon have GPS system installed in them and shall also have a reserved space for MMRDA and BMC so that both of them can display their information."

On the AC bus shelters, sources revealed that MMRDA had called for interested parties and already Laqshya OOH Media, Pioneer Publicity and Rajdeep Publicity had expressed interest and had presented their plan of action. The tender for the same is expected to be announced in the near future.